Wayne Otto OBE

Born on the 18th May 1966 in London, and schooled in Hackney, Wayne began training in Karate at the age of fourteen, at the Bow Uechi-Ryu Karate club under the instruction of Terry Daly.

In 1982 Wayne entered his first Karate competition, where he gained a Silver medal. After competing in a several more tournaments within a relatively short period of time, it was clear to see that Wayne was very special. Wayne rapidly developed a relationship between himself, and winning.

In 1988 Wayne left London to study in Kent for a degree in Communications Engineering. Within this time Wayne co-established the University of Kent Karate club, and also became coach for the British Universities Students Federation Karate squad. In 1992 Wayne graduated from the University of Kent with honours, and after his gold medal success at the 1992 World Karate Championships in Spain, he was appointed assistant coach to the British, and English National Karate squad until 1996.

Wayne Otto had emerged into the 90’s as one of the most prominent and key figures in the Great Britain and England National team line up, and has been described by Ticky Donovan OBE the national coach as “being the back bone of the British, and English Karate Teams”.

Waynes’ arsenal of techniques, various combinations and an unmistakable style and presence on the matted arena, gave rise to such names as “The Black Shark” by the Italian’s for his predator style, and more recently “La Perle Noir” by the French, made him probably the most exciting, and entertaining fighter to watch in the World today.

Britain definitely has a history for great Karate fighters, and Wayne Otto is no exception to this tradition. To date, Wayne Otto has nine World Championship Gold medals to his name. He also has to his title list the World Games, and has won the World Cup Championship title three times in succession, plus nine European Championship Gold medals, and a vast listing of International and National titles. Wayne Otto is therefore without doubt, ranked the, most successful, Athlete, and Karate competitor Britain has ever produced.

Wayne Otto OBE is now retired from competition Karate and is currently the National Coach for the England National Karate squad. In addition he is now the co-organizer of the British future champion’s tournament.

For Wayne Otto’s achievements in Karate he was recognized in the 2001 edition of the World Guinness Book of Records and, in addition, has been honoured by Her Majesty the Queen with the award of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).